brakes GMC SIERRA 2019 Workshop Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
340 Vehicle Care
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications 0435.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that
estimates the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. Brake
pad life is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The
system must be reset every time the
brake pads are changed.
When the system has determined
that the brake pads need to be
replaced, a message will display,
which may include mileage
remaining.
Brake pads should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
How to Reset the Brake Pad
Life System
The system will automatically detect
when significantly worn brake pads
are replaced. When the ignition is

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 341
turned on after new pads and wear
sensors are installed, a message
will display. Follow the prompts to
reset the system.
The brake pad life system can also
be manually reset:1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
2. Press the thumbwheel or the trip odometer reset stem if the
vehicle does not have DIC
buttons. Select front or rear
pads as appropriate.
3. Select YES on the confirmation message, or press the trip
odometer reset stem on a base
level DIC. Repeat for pads on
the other axle if they were also
replaced.How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System
The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear
sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in
wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when
the brake pads are worn can still
determine when the pads should be
replaced. See Brakes0340.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0163 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0161.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system
back on, follow the above steps but
select ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0321 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
342 Vehicle Care
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning
Light 0153.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0420.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0430.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0321 for battery location.
Stop/Start System
Vehicles equipped with a 2.7L L3B,
3.0L LM2, 5.3L L84 or 6.2L L87 are
equipped with a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Stop/Start
System 0225.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
384 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
This vehicle may have a
different size spare than the
road tires originally installed
on the vehicle. When new, the
vehicle included a spare tire
and wheel assembly with a
similar overall diameter as the
road tires and wheels, so it is
all right to drive on it. The
spare tire was developed for
use on this vehicle and will not
affect vehicle handling.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle. Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’
maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0374.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the vehicle. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 212 for the label location and
more information about the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/14/19
Vehicle Care 387
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt,
or wheel nut is replaced on a dual
wheel setup, check the wheel nut
torque after 160,1 600, and
10 000 km (100,1,000, and
6,000 mi) of driving. For proper
torque, see “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 435.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0388 for
more information. Used Replacement Wheels{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has LT265/70R17,
LT275/65R18, 275/60R20,
or 275/50R22 size tires, do not
use tire chains. They can damage
the vehicle because there is not
enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
418 Service and Maintenance
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 418
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 420
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 433
General Information
This maintenance section applies to
vehicles with a gasoline engine. For
diesel engine vehicles, see
"Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs. Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
(Continued)

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
Service and Maintenance 427
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0430 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
Customer Information 447
.Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 092.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Publication Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engine, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical
system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner
’s manuals are written
specifically for owners and are
intended to provide basic
operational information about the
vehicle. The owner ’s manual
includes the Maintenance Schedule
for all models.
Customer literature publications
available for purchase include
owner ’s manuals, warranty
manuals, infotainment manuals, and
portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner ’s manual, warranty manual,
infotainment manual, if applicable,
and zip lock bag or pouch.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
Index 465
Assistance Systems forDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 259
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic
Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Battery - North America . . . . 342, 400
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 349
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 153
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 340
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 269
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bulb Replacement Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 354
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
California
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .318, 342, 400, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 127
Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) and
Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Center Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-1500-11698638) - 2019 - CRC - 5/13/19
468 Index
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 183
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . 128
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 330
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Four-Wheel DriveTransfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 268
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 239, 345
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . 155 Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 76
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 160
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 231
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . 276, 277
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 355 Fuses (cont'd)
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359, 361
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 175Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Gauges Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 146
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 418
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442